Two Texans lasso spots in wintry ‘Top Chef’ finale

Next week, the final four of Season 9 of “Top Chef” leave behind the Lone Star State’s sweltering heat and go for the gold in the snowy cold: British Columbia.

Who’ll be making the journey? Yee-haw! Two Texans lassoed spots.

Houston native Sarah Grueneberg actually got a free ride, so to speak, after nailing the Quickfire that had the chefs, blindfolded, stumbling around the pantry to grab ingredients and make a savory dish within the space of 30 minutes.

Sarah combined lots of fun ingredients, including a peach, in a pleasing way and was given the choice of a guaranteed spot in the finale or a new Prius. She chose the former.

Left to compete for the three remaining slots were Beverly Kim, who returned after winning “Last Chance Kitchen,” Lindsay Autry, Ed Lee and the most consistent winner throughout the season, Paul Qui of Austin.

Their challenge, set in Citrus restaurant in the Hotel Valencia downtown, was to cook something extra-special for their mentors, the four individuals who guided them to the excellent place they are today. All wept when they saw their special teachers, with Paul so moved he was unable to speak through his tears.

At the end, his cooking — a brilliant cold soup — did the talking. He not only landed a finale spot but a new Prius.

Bev joined him, thanks to her winning seafood stir fry. After hemming and hawing over the less-than-stellar dishes by Ed and Lindsay, Padma (seen above with Tom Colicchio) uttered those cutting words: “Ed, please pack your knives and go.”

The result: Three femmes and a fella are in what looks like a wintry wonderland of a finale — with two of them making Texas proud.